My first post.
I just installed a 1992 EJ22 Subaru engine in my 1989 Vanagon. It is amazing what a few more ponies does to a Vanagon. I am now very interested in replacing my 1600DP in my 1973 Bug with a similar engine. Even a stock EJ22 would be a welcome increase in HP in my Bug.
You can find good wrecked WRX cars and use the EJ20 turbo. With some tuning you can get high HP out of that mill. You could try to find an STI engine, those are factory built monsters. Check out
www.vwrx.com where this guy is putting an STI engine in his Syncro Vanagon Westy.
Subaru is a flat 4 design that is decades ahead of the VW design. My Vanagon is smooth and fast, with great torque, and reliability.
Just my 2 cents on the topic. Subaru engines just make sense to me.
Andy